--Security Clearance in DC!!! What can I expect???

[SkinnyT]

I am a cleared Technical Support Specialist looking to move to the DC area (from Atlanta) within the next few months. I'd like to make it worth my while to network with anyone that can provide valuable insight for someone like myself being new to the area. This is the first time in my career where I would be marketing my clearance and honestly I'm not sure what to expect. So many questions too. Where can I go to research how much cleared professionals are paid? What do I expect in an interview with a clearance that's different from an interview without one? Is there an abundance of cleared professionals in the DC area? If so, is job competition fierce? Are there any other places us cleared professionals can go online/offline to network? These are just a few of the questions that run through my mind regularly since I don't know exactly what to expect when I get there. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!!

 

[Chopstik]

A good place to start would probably be: www.usajobs.com. There are quite a few positions that are seeking security clearance in the Northern Virginia, DC, Maryland area. If you've got a particular interest in a government area/department, I would also check the websites for that department. One last thought on that line is that security clearance is also highly prized among many groups, particularly among the Dept of Homeland Security (go figure!) and will make it much easier for you to find something.

As far as networking, not sure what to tell you here. I have a friend who took a position in the Pentagon late last year that required clearance (which he had) and it was still about 6 months to go through the process. Bureaucracy, as you are probably aware, is a PITA, so be prepared for it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I am not young enough to know everything."
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

 

[kHz]

There are many levels of security clearance, so it depends on what you have.

And a DoD clearance isn't the same as a Justice clearance. If you had a Justice secret clearance and went to work for DoD and needed a secret clearance, you would have to obtain a DoD secret clearance, although, since you already possess a Justice secret you would most likely get a provisional DoD secret and just have to wait (1 or 2 years) for the paperwork to be processed.

 

[SkinnyT]

I failed to mention in my original post, but I do have a DoD Top Secret/SCI. I have no idea what a "Justice" clearance is! There are so many clearances and caveats. That's the first time I've heard of that particular clearance. Hope this clears things up a bit.

 

[kHz]

What I meant by Justice is that is the investigating branch. For example, State clearances are from DoJ, not DoD.

 

[chiph]

I keep getting spammed by

http://www.defensetalent.com.

I hate to send anyone there for the simple reason that they won't let me alone (Hel-lo? My clearance expired last century!), but you might want to check them out.

Just make sure you use a disposable email address.

Chip H.


____________________________________________________________________
If you want to get the best response to a question, please read FAQ222-2244 first